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People wanting to become volunteers in the Polk County Public Schools can now complete volunteer applications online at polkschoolsfl.com/getinvolved

With the introduction of this new system, the school district will no longer accept paper volunteer applications from the general public.

For security purposes, the new volunteer system will screen applicants with a national criminal background check as well as a Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check. Approved volunteers must reapply and renew their application/background screen every five years from the date of approval. Volunteers can check their status by contacting their school, or by calling 863-457-4708 and pressing 2.

The volunteer application fee will remain at $25 at least through the end of the 2018-19 school year. The school year ends on June 30, 2019. At this time, Polk County Public Schools is covering the cost of the additional background check.

Active and sworn law enforcement officers with arresting power, current Polk County Public Schools employees and registered Polk County Public Schools students and college students majoring in education are EXEMPT from paying the $25 background check fee, but must reapply yearly.

A copy of verifying documentation, such as your badge number OR an employee/student ID badge must be submitted with your paper application to your school's volunteer coordinator.